Musculoskeletal Disorders and Working Posture among Dental and Oral Health Students

Abstract

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the dental professions has been well established, and can have detrimental effects on the industry, including lower productivity and early retirement. There is increasing evidence that these problems commence during undergraduate training; however, there are still very few studies that investigate the prevalence of MSD or postural risk in these student groups. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSD and conduct postural assessments of students studying oral health and dentistry. A previously validated self-reporting questionnaire measuring MSD prevalence, derived from the Standardised Nordic Questionnaire, was distributed to students. Posture assessments were also conducted using a validated Posture Assessment Instrument. MSD was highly prevalent in all student groups, with 85% reporting MSD in at least one body region. The neck and lower back were the most commonly reported. The final year dental students had the highest percentage with poor posture (68%), while the majority of students from other cohorts had acceptable posture. This study supports the increasing evidence that MSD could be developing in students, before the beginning of a professional career. The prevalence of poor posture further highlights the need to place further emphasis on ergonomic education.

Perception of dental students on risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders

“…Although the dental students′perception has not been affected by gender and presence of pain, some studies have reported higher perception scores and pain complaints by women, which indicates that they pay more attention to biological factors and adapt less to their work environment…”

“…The lack of knowledge in ergonomics can have contributed to these findings. Several authors have supported the teaching of ergonomics in the undergraduate curriculum . According to them, preventive educational programmes are essential to enhance students′ knowledge about ergonomics and allow early detection of their musculoskeletal disorders.…”

“…Dental work activities can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal symptoms such as pain, tingling and stiffness of joints mainly in the upper body . High prevalence of pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back has been observed in dentists and it has consequently reduced their productivity and contributed to a premature retirement …”

“…1,6,9 High prevalence of pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back has been observed in dentists [2][3][4]7 and it has consequently reduced their productivity and contributed to a premature retirement. 1,3,6,[9][10][11] Musculoskeletal symptoms can be observed even at early stages when ideal ergonomic postures are not followed by dental students in their practice. 3,5,8,9,[11][12][13] Thus, it is important to verify if dental students are able to recognise both the presence of pain or discomfort in their bodies, and that work-related factors can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders.…”

Nursing Students Experiences Of Pain And Use The Methods To Cope

“…[10] Diş hekimliği bö-lümünde okuyan öğrenciler ile yapılan bir çalışmada en fazla yaşanılan ağrının bel ve boyun ağrısı olduğu belirlenmiştir. [11] Tayland üniversitesinde öğrenci-lerin bel ağrısı yaşama durumlarının incelendiği bir araştırmada, öğrencilerin %31'i, diğer bir çalışmada %42,8'i son bir yıl içerisinde bel ağrısı yaşadıklarını belirtmişlerdir. [12,13] Diğer araştırmalarda da bizim ça-lışmamızda olduğu gibi öğrencilerin yaklaşık üçte biri bel ağrısı sorunu yaşamaktadır.…”